'It Is Simply a Lane Change' - Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Begins Her Next Chapter

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has penned a heartfelt message as she finally announced her official retirement from professional running.

The Jamaican sprint queen has been in action for more than 15 years, and at the start of the 2025 season, she announced her intentions to retire after the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

At the global showpiece, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce finished sixth in the women’s 100m final before claiming a silver medal in the women’s 4x100m relay.

She has since shared a lengthy post on her Instagram handle, noting that despite hanging her spikes professionally, she will continue being a major part of the sport.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce reflected that for the past 18 years, time had been central to her life, shaping her efforts, challenges, and achievements.

The five-time world 100m champion explained that every race and training session had been part of her dedication to making the most of every moment.

Looking back on nearly two decades in the sport, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce expressed gratitude to God for blessing her with a career she had come to love deeply.

“This sport has given me joy beyond measure. It has shaped me, disciplined me, and carried me to heights I could only dream of as a young girl in Waterhouse. Yet as I reflect, I no longer see time only in seconds; I see it in years. The years I gave to sprinting will forever remain among the greatest of my life,” Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce said.

“None of what I have been able to accomplish would have been possible without my family. My husband, Jason, has been my anchor and my greatest teammate. His love, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment carried me through every season.

“To my son, Zyon—your arrival was God’s perfect timing. You gave me a new purpose and reminded me that my greatest title will always be “Mom.”

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce said that she was deeply proud of her Jamaican roots and felt an everlasting gratitude to her country.

She extended a hand of gratitude to her fellow Jamaicans for their constant love, loyalty, and pride, which had driven her throughout her career.

She added that carrying the nation’s flag around the world had been her greatest honour and that, though Jamaica was small, its strength was immense, something she felt humbled to have represented with passion on the global stage.

“I am a proud daughter of the soil, and I owe an eternal debt of gratitude to Jamaica. To my fellow Jamaicans—thank you for your unyielding love, loyalty, and pride that have propelled me year after year,” Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce added.

“It has been the greatest honour to carry our flag across the world. We may be small, but we are mighty, and I am humbled to have represented the strength of our nation with passion on the global stage.”

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce expressed that her journey was far from over, describing it as a change in direction rather than an ending.

She shared that her new chapter would focus on imparting the lessons she had learned from athletics, using her platform to advocate for others, and empowering the next generation to excel even more.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce reflected that while sprinting had given her international recognition, her faith now guided her toward a higher purpose.

“I know my race is not finished; it is simply a lane change. This new chapter is about passing on the lessons the sport has given me, using my voice to advocate for others, and helping the next generation shine even brighter,” Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce added.

“Sprinting gave me a global stage, but faith gives me a greater mission. From Waterhouse to the world, every second has been for something greater. And as I pass the baton to the next generation, let this be your reminder that time will honour your greatness.”

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s retirement marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new legacy. From humble beginnings in Waterhouse to becoming one of the most decorated sprinters in history, she has inspired millions.

As she transitions into this new chapter, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce stands not just as a champion of the track but as a beacon of hope.